Contrary to what many players expected, the Snezhnaya region in Genshin Impact will not be introduced directly after Natlan. According to leakers, the next playable area will be Nod-Krai, an autonomous zone linked to the Cryo nation, which will arrive in version 6.0.
This leak not only reshuffles fan expectations but also reveals that the 6.x cycle will be set entirely in Nod-Krai, with Snezhnaya's full arrival delayed until version 7.0, scheduled for mid-2026.
What the leak says about Genshin Impact's new route
According to renowned leaker HXG, Nod-Krai will officially launch on September 10, 2025, marking the start of version 6.0. Additionally, HoYoverse will present Nod-Krai as a sort of "gateway" to Snezhnaya, offering a multicultural and commercial environment before the arrival of the central Fatui nation.
The developer will begin gradually unlocking new areas of Nod-Krai starting with version 6.1. The studio will complete the full cycle by version 6.7. Snezhnaya will arrive in full only with update 7.0, scheduled for the second half of 2026.
Why HoYoverse May Be Changing Region Order
Although the leak isn't accompanied by an official explanation, the strategy behind the change seems clear. By dividing Snezhnaya into smaller regions, HoYoverse achieves:
- Extend content over more updates
- Introduce the culture and politics of Snezhnaya gradually
- Buy time to refine the complete map of the Cryo Nation
- Avoid sudden drops in the pace of updates
This approach has been successful in regions like Sumeru, which have had subareas introduced in phases, thus maintaining player interest for months.
Nod-Krai: What the leak reveals about the new region
Described as an autonomous zone south of Snezhnaya, Nod-Krai will be a hub of trade and cultural encounters. According to the leak, the region will bring:
- An extreme weather system, with more intense cold mechanics
- New Cryo characters, aligned with the Snezhnayan aesthetic
- Narrative elements linked to the organization of the Fatui
- Architecture that blends styles from various nations of Teyvat
- A new economy based on trade routes and local commerce
Furthermore, Nod-Krai promises to deliver a dense and politically unstable setting, anticipating the larger conflicts that are expected to arise in Snezhnaya.
What to expect by September 2025
If the leak is confirmed, the next few months will serve as preparation for Nod-Krai's arrival. Players should:
- Complete Natlan's quests
- Collect gems for the new banners
- Assemble teams prepared for extreme climate environments
- Keep a close eye on upcoming HoYoverse live broadcasts
Nod-Krai's first official appearance could occur as early as the 5.9 previews, which would confirm some of the leaks.
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